Language

The language used in “A More Perfect Union” by Barack Obama is formal but understandable by the general public. The speaker uses accessible words even when he talks figuratively— “this nation's original sin of slavery” (ll. 13-14…

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Choice of words

The choice of words is context-related and it includes references to American history—especially that of race relations and racial issues, to politics and political events, as well as to religion. There are references to biblical events, judicial trials, and key historical movements in US history. The speaker uses various nouns and adjectives that focus on emotions, particularity related to anger and hope which illustrate how some people in the US feel about race relations.

Notable examples of words or phrases that generate pos…

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Tone

The tone of the speaker can be described as serious, concerned, and emphatic. Considering that the speech was made in response to a scandal concerning Barack Obama’s pastor, it stands to reason that the speaker wants to show that he takes the issues very seriously.

At times, his tone is reconciling and consider…

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Symbols

The speaker also uses symbols in his speech. Sometimes these symbols are about American pride and heritage such as the “hall that still stands across the street” (ll. 4-5) which is the building in Philadelphia were the US Constitution was signed. Moreover, the US Constitution stands as a symbol of equal rights for all citizens, regardless of r…

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Personal stories and anecdotes

The speaker often includes personal stories in the speech — his mixed-race background which makes him able to understand race relations, and his background with Reverend Wright and his Church used to show that the Reverend has a good side as well: “I am the son of a black man f…